An illustrated history of Sacramento County, California : containing a history of Sacramento County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also prominent citizens of today, Part 88

Author: Davis, Winfield J., 1851- 4n
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 916

USA > California > Sacramento County > An illustrated history of Sacramento County, California : containing a history of Sacramento County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also prominent citizens of today > Part 88

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

married, and their names are as follows: Mrs. Katie Shaunloffel, Mrs. Annie Bernhardt, and Mrs. Gertie Hauser. Mr. Gruhler is a Repub- lican, and a gentleman.

EORGE SCHROTH, of the Phoenix Mills, is one of the most active business men of Sacramento. He purchased the Phoenix Mill property in 1880, and at once set about rebuilding on a far more extensive scale. About the same time F. Kohler and J. H. Arnold came into the firm, which then assumed the present name-George Sehroth & Co. The Phoenix Mills are unexcelled in equipment, and in the quality of their manufactured product enjoys a reputation at once creditable to the city and Incrative to the proprietors. George Schroth, the head of the firm, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born July 22, 1829, his parents being John and Regina (Miller) Schroth, the father a farmer. He was educated in the Government schools from the age of six to fourteen years, after which he served an ap- prenticeship to the baker's trade with a man named Schwimb. In May, 1846, he came to America, sailing from Havre to New York. He went to Newark, New Jersey, and went to work for a man named Liebhauser, by whom he was employed until 1849. In that year he went to Texas, and engaged as teamster between Port La Vaca and El Paso, hauling supplies for the soldiers. He afterward engaged as baker for the troops at El Paso, being thus employed until 1851. In February of that year he started for California in company with six others. The route chosen by them was that via Tucson, and it was this party which rescued those left from the Oatman family massacre, and escorted them safely to Fort Yuma, a deed which won for them an honorable and a lasting place in the history of that region. Their way was beset by the greatest danger from the hostile and murderous savages. At San Diego he waited for a train before continuing his journey to the

569

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

northward, and while there engaged in driving an ox team, hauling wood, and in the work of boring an artesian well. At length, resuming the journey, he proceeded up to Stockton, fol- lowing the coast route much of the way, and driving horses. The journey to Sacramento was accomplished afoot, Mr. Schroth carrying his blanket on his shoulders to this city, where he arrived in Jnne. He obtained employment at the Pioneer Bakery (then known as Henry Winkel's bakery), on K street, between Front and Second. After the big fire of 1852, in which the building was destroyed, business was resumed in the alley bounded by J and K, Front and Second streets. In 1853 Winkel sold out to J. W. Lehman and Lonis Elmer. In January, 1854, Mr. Schroth bought Elmer's interest in the business, and in 1855 the firm bought property on J street, between Front and Second, and put up a building, the lower floor of which was ntilized by the Pioneer Bakery, and the second story by the Pioneer Hall. In 1869 Mr. Lehman died, and his widow retained an interest in the business two or three years, after which Mr. Schroth carried on the business alone until 1882, when he sold ont the bakery business, though he still retains the ownership of the property, and has since given his atten- tion to his large milling interests. On the 18th of Angust, 1857, Mr. Schroth was married to Miss Amelia Fuchs, a native of Germany, who came to Sacramento in 1856. She crossed Nicaragua during the time Walker held pos- session, and was detained on the Isthmus for four weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Schroth have five children, viz .: John George, William C., Carrie, Emily and Clara. Mr. Schroth joined the Sac- ramento Hussars in 1861, being with the organ- ization while it was in the State militia, and held the post of standard-bearer three or four years. He is the only charter member of the Sacramento Turn-Verein who has remained with that body since its organization in 1854. and was the fifth member to sign the roll. He is one of the original members of Schiller Lodge, No. 105, I. O. (). F. He has been a director in

the Germania Building and Loan Association since its organization. In the days of the vol- unteer fire department he "ran with the ma- chine," having been one of the organizers of "Knickerbocker No. 5." Mr. Schroth's record is one of which any man might be prond. He made his start in Sacramento by his own labor; by the great fire of 1852 he lost $1,300 of ac- cumulated wages; during the flood of 1853 he remained at his post, working in the water, which reached the ovens before the bread was got in. He has borne his share of the brunt of all public disasters, as well as of all public im- provements, yet to-day ranks among the solid business men of Sacramento, as well as among the most enterprising.

NON. W. P. COLEMAN .- Mr. Coleman is one of the " Argonauts," and very few, even among those men of history and ad- venture, have had a life more full of incident and interest than he. He was born in Hopkins- ville, Christian County, Kentucky, in 1826, and there spent his younger days. When seventeen years of age he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended college for one year and was then apprenticed to the tobacco business. The eonchision of his apprenticeship occurred in the eventful period about 1849. Eager to test for himself the truth of the glowing reports that were flying over the land, young Coleman deter- mined to set out for California. He made the trip overland in the uncommonlly short space of ninety days, an unusually rapid and prosperous journey. The train by which he came was com- posed entirely of horse and mule teams, and thus made good headway. It was called the "Telegraph Train," on account of the speed it made. Mr. Brolaski was the captain, and Mr. Coleman one of the teamsters. It happened that Senator Boggs was on his way at the same time with ox teams. A friendship sprang up between the companies, and the Senator was the means of rendering the others great assistance when

570

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

at Carson River, as a portion of the mules broke down and were there converted into pack trains. Mr. Coleman went mining at first of course. By 1850, however, he had become tired of this, and opened a store at the junction of Greenwood Creek and American River, where Magnolia now is. His partner in the business was a gentleman named Smith, who sold the goods while young Coleman did the buying in Sacramento and team- ing thence to the store. In 1851 Mr. Coleman came to Sacramento, where he has since re- mained and of which he has long been one of the most solid and reliable citizens. It is a noteworthy and honorable thing for California that of her richest and leading citizens of to-day the vast majority began with nothing but brains and grit. Mr. Coleman is no exception. He opened a little outfitting business on a very small scale on the very site which has since be- come thoroughly identified with his name, and where his representative real-estate office is sitnated, namely, No. 325 J street. The great fire of November, 1852, swept his establishinent ont of existence. Mr. Coleman happened to be in San Francisco at the time, purchasing goods. With the indomitable pluck born in the true American, he came back at once; succeeded in renting one-half of a store two doors above his old stand, opened out his goods, and by his energy gained quitea rich harvest for his enter- prise, having his goods on sale by the 12th of November. A month later he had obtained a new store, at a rental of $500 a month, fitted it up with lumber that cost him thirty-five cents a foot, and was soon " in full blast " again on a larger scale than ever. It speaks volumes for the strength of Mr. Coleman's frame that he slept in the damp, new building while complet- ing his arrangements, without suffering any ill effects from the exposure. At length, in 1860, having reaped the reward due to his energy, perseverance and the correctness of bis business principles, Mr. Coleman decided to retire in order that he might enjoy at leisure, in the com- forts of life, the ample means he had succeeded in accumulating. He decided to visit Europe;

crossed the Atlantic, and was in Italy, after a tour of England and France, when he was noti- fied by his banker in Paris that, on account of the civil war then raging, the transfer of funds between America and Enrope was entirely stopped. He hastened back to Paris, and al- though the reputation for promptness and reli- ability he had made in California, and the knowledge of his ample means, procured him every attention at the hands of the bankers, he nevertheless abandoned the trip, returned to America, and after a visit of some six months' duration among his relatives in Kentucky, was back again in Sacramento, the home of his choice. The promise of retiring from business life is easier said than performed by one of so active and industrious a nature as is Mr. Cole- man; and so it is not surprising that shortly after his return he was busy as a volunteer worker for the interests of the city, which was then rais- ing the grade. He steadily refused all official honors. However, the office of corresponding secretary of the Pioneers' Association was thrust upon him; and his frequent contributions of letters to the society are thoroughly appreciated and are of great value to that organization. In 1867 he finally opened his well-known real- estate office on J street, on the very lot where he had known the misfortunes and triumphs of his early days in this city. He no longer pays active attention to the business there, having turned it over to his juniors in the office, Messrs. E. A. Crouch and P. Bohl. It was in å portion of that office where the Sacramento Bank was first established, Mr. Coleman being one of the prominent stockholders and an original incor- porator. Its correct methods of business, how- ever, and careful management have given it great prosperity, and it is now established in its fine building on the corner of Fifth and J streets. Mr. Coleman has been its president since 1880, devoting the whole of his valuable experience in business and accurate knowledge of mankind to the interests of the institution. Under the management of himself and his associates the bank has grown to be one of our powerful finan-

571

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

cial institutions and conducts a business of great magnitude. He is a public-spirited citizen, of generous impulses. taking a practical and lead- ing part in all matters conducive to the public welfare, and a large contributor to all worthy and deserving causes. Personally he is one of the most large-hearted, jovial and companion- able of men, a favorite with all classes of the community, ranking justly as one of our most worthy as well as most representative men. Mr. Coleman is a married man, but without children. Unfortunately, his wife has been an invalid almost from the first, but by his devoted atten- tion and watchful care of her every want, her life has been prolonged until the present. It is but proper to state that this article is very in- complete, as Mr. Coleman could not be induced to give more than mere dates, and the balance of the article is compiled from other sourcess.

JON. W. H. BEATTY, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California, is one of those who have attained a deserved pre- emineuce both as a pleader and as a counselor, and is worthily considered to stand at the head of his profession. He is a native of the State of Ohio, but removed with his father, Hon. II. (. Beatty, a sketch of whose life appears on another page, to Sacramento in February, 1853. He was born in the year 1838, and hence is practically a Californian in every sense, having been but fifteen years of age when he came to these shores. Two years later, or in 1855, he returned again to the East for the purpose of pur- suing his academic studies. In September, 1858, he came back to this State and in the office of his father in this city completed his legal studies, being admitted to practice at the bar of the Su- preme and other courts of this State, in Jan- uary, 1861. After practicing here until March, 1863, he went to the then " booming" country of Reese River, Nevada, and at Austin opened an office, and began a residence in Nevada which lasted for eighteen years. Upon the organization

of Nevada as a State, in 1864, and the adoption of a State Constitution, Mr. Beatty was elected District Judge, it being a peculiar and interest- ing fact that at the same time his father, who had also gone to Nevada, was elected a Justice of the Supreme Court. Justice Beatty held the position of Distriet Judge until 1874, or for a term of ten years, when he was elected Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of that State, a position filled by him during the balance of his residence there. Finally, in January, 1881, he returned to Sacramento, since which time he has been a constant resident of this city. In the fall of 1888 he became a candidate upon the Republican ticket for the Chief Justiceship of the Supreme Court of California. and although opposed by a deservedly popular candidate on the Democratic ticket, was elected by a large majority, and assumed the duties of his office at the first of the year. To the accomplish- ment of this result, the known high charaeter of the Justice, both as a lawyer and a citizen, as well as his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by all whether in political accord or not, contributed chiefly. But it is not alone in matters connected with his profession or the judiciary that Justice Beatty has taken a promi- nent part. He is now the president, and a lead- ing member of the voluntary organization formed for the purpose of discussing, maturing and advocating plans for the improvement of the city, which have already had a material effect toward the betterment of the place, and is one of the most useful organizations formed here. He has also taken an active interest in all matters that tend to the public benefit, contributing liberally of time, counsel and means to their advancement. In conclusion it may be stated that Justiee Beatty is a man of large- hearted and generous instincts, and is possessed of great force of character and the quick de- cision so necessary to the legal man. As an ad- vocate he is trenchant and effective, and as a judge he is fearless and impartial, his rulings being founded on justice and a deep knowledge of the law. In each department of his duties,

572

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

he is an indefatigable student, and in the higher walks has merited the confidenee and esteem reposed in him alike by client and people. He was married in 1874, to Miss Elizabeth M. Love, of North Carolina. They have two chil- dren, a son and a daughter, both at home.

- -

OHN OCHSNER, the extensive cooperage manufacturer of Sacramento, is a native of Switzerland, born in Canton Chafoosa, De- cember 29, 1839, and is a son of Michael and Elizabeth Ochsner. When he was a mere child, his parents came to the United States, and lo- cated in Hancock County, Illinois, on a farm abont four miles south and three miles east of Nauvoo. There he grew to the age of nine years, at that time removing to the vicinity of Fort Madison, Iowa, where he attended sehool. He followed farm work until he was seventeen years of age, when he started to learn the coop- er's trade in the establishment of his brother Samuel, at Tioga. In 1857 he formed one of a party of seven who went to Pike's Peak by team, but after two weeks there, finding nothing profit- able to do, and being out of money, he started back, making his way afoot to Tioga. Froni there he went to St. Louis, thence up the Mis- souri River to St. Joe, and in the following fall to New Orleans. He was there when the bat- tle of Bull Run was fought, and shortly there- after he went back to Tioga, Illinois. About seven months later he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and in 1862 to Chicago, from which city he went to London, Canada. In all of these places he worked at his trade, thus mastering its vari- ous departments. He next proceeded to New York, where he worked until June, 1863, when he took passage on the steamer Moses Taylor bound for California. He came via Panama, and landed at San Francisco July 12, 1863, having been twenty-eight days on the journey from New York. At San Francisco he obtained employment with Scheppert, in the cooperage department of the California Brewery. From

there he came to Sacramento, and started in the cooperage business with Mr. C. Schaefer. He bought Schaefer out in 1864, his place of busi- ness being where the Eagle Cracker Bakery now stands, and directly across K street from his present establishment, moving to his present quarters in 1865, and putting up the necessary improvements. His business has grown to large proportions, and he now employs from five to eight men the year round. He manufactures chiefly tanks and casks, and ships the product of his factory throughout California, Nevada, etc., and as far east as Salt Lake. . He also does a heavy local business, and never fails to keep trade in a locality where he once finds a footing. Mr. Ochsner was married in Sacramento, April 27, 1867, to Miss Mary Stillinger. They have five children, viz .: Mary Luella, John Madison, Fred Alonzo, George Walter, and Richard Leon. Mr. Ochsner is a member of Washington Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3; Sacramento Council, No. 1, and Sacramento Commandery, No. 2; also of the Knights of Honor, and of Sacramento Lodge, A. O. U. W. Mr. Ochsner has made his business start in Sacramento, and has been successful in an un- usual degree.

HILIP GEORGE RHEIL was born in Illi- nois, in 1838, son of Philip George Rheil- who emigrated to Chicago abont 1836, when what is now the palatial city consisted of but fourteen houses. His parents having died of cholera in the epidemic of 1851, our subject received but a limited education, being brought up on a farm and having to go five or six miles to a school. He continued to live upon a farm for a year or two after the death of his parents, but, in January, 1853, he determined to strike out for California, where he felt the opportu- nity, at least, would not be wanting to achieve success. Going to New York he set sail on the steamer George Law, crossed the Isthmus, and came up the coast on the steamer John L.

573

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

Stephens, landed at " Frisco " in February, and, coming direct to Sacramento, began working for Sam Norris, and then for a year or two at the Columbus Brewery. He went to Jackson and worked for two years in the mines, then in a saw-mill, was employed by " Si " Wheeler, and was foreman of the Whitcomb ranch for four- teen years. In these different vocations he gradually accumulated money, and in 1877 was enabled to buy out the interest of Mr. D. G. Webber, general merchant at Freeport, in this county; here he established himself, and for twelve years he conducted a very prosperous business. He has interested himself in public affairs to a considerable extent. and now owns a controlling interest in the River Telephone lines, and other enterprises. In 1855 he married Mrs. Hannah M. Bodge, nee Webber, a native of Bangor, Maine, a scion of an old New England family. Their son George, a young man of great promise, died at the age of twenty-six years. Their daughter Lilly is the wife of John G. Hight, and is the mother of three children: Love, Wave, and one unnamed, the joy of their grandparents' hearts, in whose yonng lives they can renew their own youth, and live over again the days of their childish years.

AMES M. HENDERSON, retired farmer, and one of the best-known citizens of the city of Sacramento, was born March 24, 1830, in IIarrison County, Ohio, on the bank of Short Creek. His father, Andrew Henderson, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was one of eight brothers who with only one exception be- came farmers. Ile moved to Ohio at an early day, married Miss Mary Sandis Mitchell, daugh- ter of Jerome Mitchell, a prominent farmer of Belmont County, Ohio; William Mitchell, an- other brother, came to California in 1849, and had a stock ranch near where Galt is now. After a few years he returned to Ohio, and from him James derived his ideas of the Golden State. In the spring of 1854, in company with

Andrew Whitaker and Edward Presbury, he came with a stock train across the plains; the train, with 300 head of cattle and horses and twenty men, had been made np near Alton, Illinois. They crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph, and came west by the North Platte and Truckee rivers and Marysville, this State, and stopped near Galt, in September. Mr. Henderson went to Stockton and bought a quar- ter-section of land in San Joaquin County, and began farming. In Stockton, December 25, 1850, he married Margaret A. Elliott, nee Sweasey, dangliter of W. J. Sweasey, of Eureka, Humboldt County, where he still lives enjoying a hale old age. Mrs. Henderson was the second white woman married in Stockton. In October, 1850, on the Mokelumne River, Mrs. Hender- son and her sister and children were left in a wagon, and a grizzly bear was around the wagon all night, until Mr. Sweasey and son returned in the morning. They, too, had been treed by a grizzly bear and cub and kept there all night: and they were very joyous to find their family safe. In the spring of 1852 Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Henry Loring were the first white women to ride up into the mines to her husband's camp; and it was so nnusnal to see women come up alone that all the miners turned out, made great demonstrations, cheering them, and in the eve- ning held a great celebration. These women re- ceived attentions from every one while they remained in that camp. When, in the fall of 1851, Mrs. Henderson and her father rode to San Francisco from what is now Redwood, they were cheered there by the business men. Mr. . Sweasey was born in London, England, and came to America when his daughter was twelve years old, settling near Evansville, Indiana, and came to California in 1850, being one of the first settlers of Humboldt County. He has been a member of the Legislature from San Fran- cisco, and also a member of a constitutional convention. He is now manager and principal owner of the the steamer Humboldt, plying be- tween San Francisco and Eureka. In his city he has a grocery store, and also owns several

574

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

sailing vessels. Mr. Henderson continued to live upon the ranch until 1868, devoting him- self to stock-raising largely, when he bought a residence in Sacramento city. He built a con- modious dwelling the following year, but for six years longer he continued actively engaged in farming. While living upon the ranch he was justice of the peace two years, and it was said of him that he was the only justice from whom the county actually derived a revenne, through his care in compelling all litigants to secure the costs before bringing an action. He was usually an inspector of elections, and while justice of the peace he prepared the poll-lists, and was prominent in local conventions. He is a member of Woodbridge Lodge, No. 131, F. & A. M .; an Odd Fellow of long standing; was the first master of the A. O. U. W. Lodge first organized in San Joaquin County; passed all the chairs of the American Legion of Honor, and was the first presiding officer of this or- ganization. Mr. Henderson's family consists of his wife and three sons and two daughters. The children are: William, who is married and resides in this city; Henry, deceased; Mary, deceased; James, with W. P. Coleman & Co., and Margaret Sweasey.

ILLIAM MITCHELL, a prominent pio- neer, was born September 12. 1829, in Rochester, New York; he was left an orphan at the age of four years, and at the age of eight years he began life as a newsboy. During the Mexican war he was occupying a position in the custom house at New Orleans, where he enlisted in a company called the Lonis- iana Mounted Volunteers, of which the captain was George Carr, son of the collector of the port. They were attached to General Scott's army at Vera Cruz and served for eighteen months. Mr. Mitchell attained the rank of brevet Captain of Company C. After he was mustered out of service lie was again employed in the New Or- leans custom-house, remaining there until the

close of President Polk's administration. In 1849 he came to California on the old famous steamer McKim, Captain Fulton, being nine months on the voyage. This was the first steamer that ever came up the river as far as Sacramento. He went to the Fremont diggings in Mariposa County, having for his business partner Edward Shaw, son of Dr. Shaw, an emi- nent physician in New Orleans. He, however, soon became ill and returned home. During the winter and spring of 1849-'50, he was on the Yuba River. He next returned to New Orleans, by way of the Isthmus, securing a po- sition on the police force and remained there until 1853. In April, that year, having been married to Miss Mary St. John, he with his wife came to California, determined to make this country his home. Purchasing land on what is called the Laguna, in the southern part of this county, he engaged in stock-raising there and farming until 1887, when he removed with his family to this city, locating on J street, above Twenty-second, where he has built and occupies a beautiful residence.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Davis, Winfield J., 1851- 4n Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 916

Author: Davis, Winfield J., 1851- 4n
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 916